New outdoor art installation launched in Milton Keynes woodlands

A new artistic project can be viewed by walkers getting their daily exercise in lockdown.
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Woodland Walk Art Installation has been unveiled in Bradwell Abbey.

Visitors to the heritage site, can now take in a free art installation during their hikes.

The new art installation is part of a wider Bradwell Abbey and Me, project, ran by the Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre (MKCDC).

Artist, Liisa Clark, stood next to one of her new pieces of artworkArtist, Liisa Clark, stood next to one of her new pieces of artwork
Artist, Liisa Clark, stood next to one of her new pieces of artwork

The scheme also relies on funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and Milton Keynes Council through their Sharing Culture programme.

Living Archive MK and Inter-Action MK collaborate to organise other projects through Bradwell Abbey and Me. Including: training young carers in filming,

photography and oral history techniques.

These were used in a series of interviews with members of the public who enjoy a connection with the medieval site.

Glass Artwork by Liisa Clark, with carpentry carried out by Men In Sheds MKGlass Artwork by Liisa Clark, with carpentry carried out by Men In Sheds MK
Glass Artwork by Liisa Clark, with carpentry carried out by Men In Sheds MK

The interviews led to the second phase of the Project, the Woodland Walk which was supported with funding from Santander.

The footage inspired MKCDC artist in residence, Liisa Clark, who used the footage and recordings as inspiration for eleven artworks, her intricate drawings laser etched onto clear acrylic.

Liisa discussed the process, saying: "I was able to watch all of these wonderful stories that shared memories of people’s connection to this amazing site, and the most poignant element was the special sense of ownership that each person had with the Abbey and its grounds.

"As such, I felt a huge responsibility to each individual to create something that honoured those words and their memory. As the words held such meaning, I chose to include them within the artworks, so the viewer is able to have a greater understanding of the drawings and my response."

Liisa's work with the MKCDC also includes writing two of three new wildlife information boards. The aim the of panels, designed by Paul Mesham, is to help visitors engage with, and learn more about the species and habitats on site.

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